There is a sign by the Coronado National Monument by the border. It warns that smuggling and illegal entry is common in the area and warns people to be on alert and not to roam alone, especially in remote areas.

Public sector unions have also interfered with border safety. Sheriff Dever said the border patrol union sets the patrol schedule. The results are that not enough agents are in place and the ones who are on duty are warned not to put themselves in harms way.

“Border Patrol agents have been instructed not to work in certain areas because of the danger levels,” stated Sheriff Dever. “Upper management denies that, but the guys on the ground will tell you it is absolutely true.”

Just a few months ago DHS put border patrol agents through a new training that told them not to use their weapons in a case of a shootout and instead, wait for other law enforcement. DHS also tried to deny this, but when Breitbart News contacted one of the border patrol stations, they did in fact confirm it was true.

During the shootout that led to Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry’s death, it came to light that agents are equipped with bean bag guns to defend themselves. Guns found at the scene were linked to Operation Fast and Furious, the gun walking scheme set in place by the ATF, allowing guns to walk into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.

Earlier this week, PJ Media released a video proving one county in Texas alters crime statistics to make the border appear safer than it actually is. The county receives more federal funds if crime occurrence is lower.

The area is known for its wildfires and some have been set on purpose.

“Here we’ve documented that there are several border-related cases of fires,” Sheriff Dever told Ms. Ramirez. “There are intentional fires – that is, fires set to distract law enforcement to facilitate a crossing or getaway; warming fires started during travel; and, finally, cigarette induced fires.”

Sheriff Dever mentions that citizens have noticed more vandalism and violence on a regular basis. Arizona Representatives Ben Quayle and Paul Gosar told Breitbart News that it’s very easy for drug cartels to reach the civilians. Rep Quayle told a story about a constituent being confronted by a member of a drug cartel member. Rep Gosar said cartel members can literally march up to someone’s doorstep.

The most common answer to the problem is build a fence, but Sheriff Dever said that is not enough. The have a fence but a group of teenage girls and boys climbed over in less than 30 seconds. The solution is constant guards along the fence.

“The Great Wall of China only worked as well as it did because it was well-guarded with outposts and consistent communication,” Sheriff Dever said.

The government can tell America the border is as secure until they are blue in the face. The evidence suggests otherwise.